Klick

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Klick (sometimes spelled click, which may also mean one minute of arc when adjusting the sighting system on a weapon such as a rifle) is a common military term meaning kilometer when referring to distance or kilometers per hour (km/h) when referring to speed. Its use became popular among soldiers in Vietnam during the 1960s, although veterans of the war recall its usage as early as the 1950s.

The term is of unknown origin. It is most likely an example of condensed pronunciation or contraction of the term kilometer, although other theories exist.

"In "military-speak," the term "click" (spelled with a "c" instead of a "k") is used when sighting-in a weapon, such as a rifle. On most weapons, one "click" equals one minute of arc, or -- in other words, one inch of distance at one hundred yards. So, moving the site adjustments of the rifle "one click" will change the point of impact one inch for a target 100 yards away, two inches for a target 200 yards away, and so forth. The term comes from the clicking-sound made by the sight adjustment knobs as they are turned"[1]

The term is also used by civilians, often in reference to highway distances and speeds.

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